Son, ex-girlfriend suspected of hiding Vallejo man's death to get pension benefits

Published By Times Herald

A Vallejo man and his ex-girlfriend have been arrested after allegedly hiding the man's father's body for two years in order to continue receiving his pension benefits, Solano County Sheriff deputies said Friday.

However, no charges have been filed against the suspects, Joseph Romer and Sandeep Waloo, and they are out of custody, deputies added.

The father's body was found Dec. 2, in the backyard of an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Warren Avenue. He was later identified as Richard Romer, 56, of Alameda.

The cause of death had not been determined as of Friday.

After further investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for the arrest of Richard Romer's son, Joseph, 22.

Romer was arrested Monday in Vallejo with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal's Office, and booked into Solano County jail, "for violations involving the improper movement of a deceased subject, grand theft, and elder/dependent adult abuse," deputies said in a Friday press release.

Two days later, detectives contacted Waloo, 19. Deputies said Waloo was the younger Romer's ex-girlfriend.

After an interview, she also was booked into jail on suspicion of "grand theft, conspiracy, and improper movement of a deceased object," deputies said.

Both suspects were released.

"The case is very complex, and significant investigative work will be required to completely analyze and document the evidence," deputies said.

Deputies said Richard Romer was very ill before his death, and his son and Waloo concealed his death for about two years so they could continue to receive his private and government pensions.

The District Attorney's Office has not yet filed charges pending further investigation, deputies added.